Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. Hello! I’m Lynette Lindsay, a storyteller with a lifelong connection to the eerie, the emotional, and the unexplained. I write ghost-driven fiction with a strong human heart at its centre, blending horror with mystery and psychological depth. I was born in England but now live in Australia with my husband and our three boys. When I’m not writing, you’ll usually find me reading, drinking too much tea, or dreaming up the next story that insists on being told.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Haunting of Little Maggie Smith”?
A2. One of the biggest challenges was balancing the supernatural elements with the emotional core of the story. I wanted the haunting to feel unnerving, but never at the expense of the very real human struggles at the centre of the narrative. Another challenge was managing the timeline and multiple perspectives—making sure each character’s voice felt distinct and that every thread tightened the tension rather than distracting from it. And, of course, there’s the ever-present battle with self-doubt that seems to accompany every writer!
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. I’ve always been drawn to authors who blend the eerie with genuine human emotion. Shirley Jackson has been a major influence—her ability to build unsettling tension from ordinary moments is something I deeply admire. Stephen King also shaped my love of character-driven horror, reminding me that stories are most powerful when the people feel real. More recently, writers like C.J. Tudor and Simone St. James have inspired me with their ability to weave mystery, atmosphere, and the supernatural into something both haunting and heartfelt.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. That’s a really tough question because both England and Australia are full of amazing places. But if I had to choose, I’d say I’m most drawn to open green spaces. There’s something magical about feeling the breeze on your face, hearing birds and other wildlife all around, and just taking a moment to breathe it all in. Those moments remind me how incredible it is to simply be alive.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Haunting of Little Maggie Smith’?
A5. As a child, I would see dark figures swirl around me, hear whispers in my ears, and feel the heavy breathing of shadows that could not possibly have lungs. Fear was always there, but so was something else—a quiet invitation to a world beyond sight, beyond touch, where beauty and serenity could exist. Writing The Haunting of Little Maggie Smith allowed me to share those experiences, where shadows and light meet, and the extraordinary quietly brushes against the ordinary.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Haunting of Little Maggie Smith’?
A6. Honestly, it took me a few years to finish the book, with lots of starts, stops, and moments where I convinced myself I was “researching” rather than writing. The last half came together surprisingly quickly once I finally faced the truth—I’d been procrastinating far too much and just needed to dive in.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. Readers can currently enjoy my book as an ebook on Amazon Kindle. For those who love holding a story in their hands, a paperback version will be available in January. I hope it’s a journey that captures your imagination from start to finish.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Haunting of Little Maggie Smith’?
A8. The process of creating the book cover and choosing the title was a really special part of bringing the story to life. My niece designed the cover, and I couldn’t have been happier with her work—she captured the mood and mystery perfectly. The title, The Haunting of Little Maggie Smith, came naturally as the story itself unfolded. It felt like the perfect way to hint at both the eerie and the emotional heart of the book.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself.
A9. Keeping things fresh while writing is always a balancing act. I think it’s important to stay curious and open—explore new ideas, experiment with scenes, and even step away for a while to return with fresh eyes. For readers, I’ve focused on creating surprises, layering characters, and inserting moments of tension or emotion that they won’t see coming. The goal is to make the story feel alive for both of us.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
A10. The best advice I ever received about writing was to just keep showing up. Even on days when the words felt heavy or messy, writing a little bit every day made all the difference. It didn’t have to be on my book, just something to keep the momentum. It reminded me that stories grow not from perfection, but from persistence—and that every word brings you closer to the heart of your story.
Buy The Haunting of Little Maggie Smith on Amazon
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